In order to avoid the deleterious effects of species and
ecosystems isolation, the concept of ecological corridors
was introduced as an attempt to augment the connectivity
between fragmented areas. The corridors were designed to
enhance the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems
within the Itenez-Bolivia/Guaporé-Brasil area, while
respecting the rights of the local populations.

Project Description

One of the most important causes of biodiversity loss is
habitat fragmentation. In fragmented ecosystems the rate
of extinction is higher compared with species within non-
fragmented ecosystems. A large river basin region in Bolivia
and Brazil, which contains indigenous reserves and large
natural protected areas, is the testing ground for a project
that will study, identify and implement connected areas. The
corridors were located along the roads BR-421 and BR-429
and on the left bank of Guaporé –Itenez River in Brazil, and
in the Baures-Itenez area in Bolivia.
Implementation of this project requires:(1)a full
diagnosis of the status of the existing conservation units;
(2)the design of connected areas or corridors;(3)the
design of a programme on information-exchange between
managers, directors and warden staff of protected areas;
(4)identification of strategic points for conservation
and management actions;(5)involvement of the local
population through capacity building and environmental
education;(6)harmonisation of public policies with the
goals of sustainable development;(7)provision of technical,
economic and scientific support to the local communities and other productive sectors;(8)the launch of pilot projects
for natural resource management; and (9)identification of
alternative tourism within the protected areas.

Highlighted Aspects of Ecosystem Approach

• The three objectives of the CBD are simultaneously
addressed in this case study.
• The diagnosis phase of the project illustrated the need
for a better understanding of ecosystem processes and
functions.
•Goods and services were not identified in the project,
but equitable sharing was addressed in relation to the
benefits that should materialise when the project is
implemented.
• Adaptive management is neither illustrated nor addressed
in the case study.
• The most appropriate scale depended on the issue being
addressed.
• Linkages between sectoral groups were established
through the creation of various committees involving
different governmental and non-governmental
institutions.

Conclusions

The Ecosystem Approach is an effective basis for planning
ecological corridors.

3. Sectors and Biomes

Sectors

Forestry

Biomes

Forest Biodiversity

4. Tools and Approaches

Tools and Approaches

RelevanceScore

FurtherInformation

Public Participation

3-High

- Workshop based methods

3-High

Education and Awareness

3-High

- Communication

3-High

Governance, Law and Policy

3-High

- Policy development, planning and reform

3-High

Management and Incentives

3-High

- Practical management techniques

3-High

Protected Areas and Land Use Policy

3-High

- Protected/managed areas

3-High

Cross-sectoral Research and Working

3-High

Indicators

3-High

5. Issues

Issues

RelevanceScore

Public Participation

3-High

Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

3-High

Tourism and Biodiversity

3-High

Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices - Article 8(j)

3-High

Transboundary Conservation

3-High

6. Ecosystem Approach

Principles and Operational Guidance

RelevanceScore

Reason(Only if NOT relevant)

Principle 1: The objectives of management of land, water and living resources are a matter of societal choices

3-High

Principle 2: Management should be decentralized to the lowest appropriate level

3-High

Principle 3: Ecosystem managers should consider the effects (actual or potential) of their activities on adjacent and other ecosystems

3-High

Principle 4: Recognizing potential gains from management, there is usually a need to understand and manage the ecosystem in an economic context

3-High

Principle 5: Conservation of ecosystem structure and functioning, in order to maintain ecosystem services, should be a priority target of the ecosystem approach

3-High

Principle 6: Ecosystem must be managed within the limits of their functioning

3-High

Principle 7: The ecosystem approach should be undertaken at the appropriate spatial and temporal scales

3-High

Principle 8: Recognizing the varying temporal scales and lag-effects that characterize ecosystem processes, objectives for ecosystem management should be set for the long term

3-High

Principle 9: Management must recognize the change is inevitable

3-High

Principle 10: The ecosystem approach should seek the appropriate balance between, and integration of, conservation and use of biological diversity

3-High

Principle 11: The ecosystem approach should consider all forms of relevant information, including scientific and indigenous and local knowledge, innovations and practices

3-High

Principle 12: The ecosystem approach should involve all relevant sectors of society and scientific disciplines